How to submit to r/startups, and alternatives

What r/startups does for a launch

Communities aren't listings; they're conversations, and they're where many early users actually come from. The rule everywhere is the same: give something (a story, numbers, a lesson) before you ask for anything, and never drop a bare link.

How to get listed on r/startups

1. Read r/startups's rules on self-promotion before posting anything. Many have a dedicated thread or day for it.
2. Take part first: comment usefully for a while so your account isn't brand new when you post.
3. Write a post that's worth reading on its own: what you built, why, and what you learned, with numbers if you have them.
4. Put the link at the end, once, and say plainly that it's yours.
5. Reply to every comment for the first day, and thank people for criticism. It's the most useful feedback you'll get.

Tips for r/startups

• Promotion goes in its recurring share thread, not in a post of its own.

What to prepare before you submit

You'll paste the same things into every launch platform and directory, so write them once:

• A tagline under 60 characters that says what it does (see how to write a product tagline).
• A description under 160 characters, plus a longer one of two or three short paragraphs.
• A square logo (at least 256×256) and three or four screenshots at the same size.
• Your pricing in one line, including whether there's a free plan.
• A spreadsheet of where you submitted, the listing URL and whether the link is followed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I promote my product on r/startups?

Usually, within the rules: most communities allow it in a specific format or thread, or as part of a post that's useful on its own. Read r/startups's rules first; a removed post can't be reposted.

What should I post on r/startups?

A story with something to learn: how you built it, what didn't work, what your first numbers look like. People respond to the maker, then look at the product.

Does posting on r/startups help SEO?

Indirectly. Community links are usually nofollow, but a post that does well sends real visitors, gets your product talked about, and is often what AI assistants cite.

IndieLaunch isn't affiliated with r/startups. What's here comes from its own site, checked October 17, 2026; prices and policies change, so check before you submit. Our full list is in the startup directories guide.